Tiffin Recipe

The Magic of Homemade Tiffin: A Cozy Comfort Recipe

Crafting a delightful tiffin recipe can transport you to a world of culinary comfort and joy.

Childhood memories often dance alongside these delectable treats, reminding us of simple pleasures.

Moms and grandmothers have perfected these portable lunch delights across different regions of India.

Light, compact, and packed with flavor, these meals speak volumes about creativity and care.

Ingredients become a canvas for personal expression, blending tradition with modern twists.

Compact containers hold more than just food, they carry love, memories, and cultural heritage.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds embark on a delicious adventure.

How To Store Nigella Tiffin Recipe Right

  • Wrap tiffin slices individually in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
  • Stack slices between parchment paper layers inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Store in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and quality.
  • Let tiffin sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as chocolate can lose its smooth consistency and become grainy.

Nigella Tiffin Recipe Questions Answered

  • What are digestive biscuits and can I substitute them?

Digestive biscuits are a British sweet wheat cookie with a slightly nutty flavor. You can replace them with graham crackers or shortbread cookies if unavailable.

  • Do I need special equipment to make this recipe?

No, you only need a 20cm square tin, parchment paper, a saucepan, and a microwave or double boiler to melt chocolate.

  • How long will tiffin keep fresh?

Tiffin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its delicious texture and flavor.

  • Is tiffin a healthy dessert?

Tiffin is a treat with high sugar and butter content, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional sweet indulgence.

What Makes Nigella Tiffin Recipe So Loved

  • Crush and Create: No fancy baking skills needed, perfect for beginners who want to make a delicious treat without complicated techniques.
  • Sweet Snack Solution: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe a go-to for quick dessert cravings or unexpected guests.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic chocolate and biscuit flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
  • No-Bake Bliss: Requires no oven time, which means less kitchen mess and more enjoyment, perfect for warm days when you don't want to heat up the kitchen.

Everything In Nigella Tiffin Recipe

Base Ingredients:
  • Digestive Biscuits: A classic British cookie that provides a crumbly texture and rich, slightly sweet foundation for the tiffin.
  • Butter: Helps bind the ingredients and adds a rich, smooth flavor to the base.
  • Golden Syrup: Creates a sweet, glossy binding that holds the base together and enhances the overall sweetness.
Sweet Add-Ins:
  • Raisins, Sugar: Contribute natural sweetness and chewy texture to the tiffin base.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds a deep chocolate flavor and rich color to the base mixture.
Topping:
  • Milk Chocolate: Provides a smooth, creamy top layer that sets firmly and completes the classic tiffin dessert.
Additional Item:
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and clean cutting of the finished tiffin.

Easy Instructions For Nigella Tiffin Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Line a 20cm square tin with parchment paper, ensuring the paper covers the bottom and sides completely for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Biscuit Base

Crush digestive biscuits into fine crumbs with some small chunks using a rolling pin or food processor. The varied texture will add interesting mouthfeel to the tiffin.

Step 3: Craft Chocolatey Mixture

In a saucepan, gently melt:
  • Butter
  • Corn syrup
  • Brown sugar
  • Cocoa powder

Stir these ingredients over low heat until they combine into a smooth, glossy mixture.

Step 4: Combine Base Ingredients

Remove the chocolatey mixture from heat and fold in:
  • Crushed biscuits
  • Raisins

Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 5: Create Initial Layer

Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press down firmly using the back of a spoon to create an even, compact layer.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Topping

Melt milk chocolate in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst to prevent burning.

Step 7: Finish with Chocolate Layer

Pour the melted chocolate over the biscuit base, using a spatula to spread it evenly and smoothly.

Step 8: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the tiffin for at least 2 hours until completely firm and set.

Step 9: Prepare for Serving

Remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly.

Step 10: Slice and Enjoy

Cut into squares and serve as a delightful sweet treat.

Tips To Help With Nigella Tiffin Recipe

  • Crush Carefully: Break biscuits into uneven pieces for a more interesting texture, avoiding powder-like crumbs for better bite.
  • Prevent Overheating: Melt chocolate and butter mixture slowly and gently to maintain smooth consistency and prevent burning.
  • Enhance Flavor: Add extra mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or white chocolate chips for more complex taste profile.
  • Room Temperature Trick: Let tiffin sit briefly before cutting to ensure clean, neat slices without cracking chocolate layer.
  • Storage Wisdom: Keep tiffin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Ways To Change Up Nigella Tiffin Recipe

  • Nutty Tiffin: Replace raisins with chopped almonds or mixed nuts for a crunchy texture.
  • Vegan Chocolate Tiffin: Use coconut oil instead of butter, dairy-free chocolate, and vegan digestive biscuits.
  • White Chocolate Raspberry: Top with white chocolate and sprinkle freeze-dried raspberries for a tangy twist.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute digestive biscuits with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour-based cookies.

Good Pairings For Nigella Tiffin Recipe

  • Elevate Chocolate Pairing: Rich port wine complements the deep cocoa notes, creating a luxurious dessert experience with smooth, velvety undertones.
  • Creamy Contrast Companion: Cold vanilla bean ice cream balances the tiffin's intense chocolate flavor, offering a refreshing and silky counterpoint.
  • Caffeine Harmony Match: Robust espresso cuts through the sweetness, enhancing the chocolate's complexity and providing a bold, sophisticated taste sensation.
  • Fruity Accent Boost: Raspberry coulis drizzled alongside adds a tangy brightness that lifts the chocolate's richness and introduces a vibrant flavor dimension.
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Tiffin Recipe

Tiffin Recipe


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4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Scrumptious Tiffin elevates classic Indian lunch traditions with compact, portable meals packed with hearty flavors and cultural significance. Portable culinary artistry combines rice, lentils, and savory accompaniments, delivering wholesome nourishment that connects you to generations of delicious home cooking.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 375 grams (13.2 ounces) digestive biscuits
  • 300 grams (10.6 ounces) milk chocolate
  • 180 grams (6.3 ounces) raisins

Chocolate and Binding Ingredients:

  • 200 grams (7.1 ounces) unsalted butter
  • 110 grams (3.9 ounces) golden syrup
  • 40 grams (1.4 ounces) cocoa powder

Sugar and Sweeteners:

  • 40 grams (1.4 ounces) caster sugar

Instructions

  1. Create a sturdy base by lining a 20cm square tin with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
  2. Transform digestive biscuits into a textured mixture of fine crumbs and small irregular pieces using a rolling pin or food processor.
  3. Construct the binding sauce by gently heating butter, golden syrup, sugar, and cocoa powder in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until a smooth, glossy consistency develops.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the crushed biscuits and raisins, ensuring every morsel is thoroughly coated with the rich chocolate mixture.
  5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared tin, using the back of a spoon to distribute evenly and create a compact, level surface.
  6. Melt milk chocolate using short microwave intervals of 30 seconds, stirring between each burst to prevent burning and ensure a silky smooth texture.
  7. Cascade the molten chocolate over the biscuit base, using a spatula to spread it into a uniform layer that completely covers the surface.
  8. Chill the tiffin in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the chocolate to set and the flavors to meld together.
  9. Before serving, let the tiffin rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, making cutting easier.
  10. Slice into elegant squares and present as a delectable treat.

Notes

  • Customize crumb texture by varying biscuit crushing technique for desired chunkiness or smoothness.
  • Choose dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for deeper, more intense flavor profile and reduced sweetness.
  • Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch and nutritional boost.
  • Make gluten-free by substituting digestive biscuits with gluten-free cookie alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Melting
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 382 kcal
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 55 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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